Railroad crossing completely replaced

Washington Street crossing reopened Aug. 17

August 30, 2012|By Dawn Rhodes, Chicago Tribune reporter

The Washington Street railroad crossing in downtown Downers Grove was fully replaced during a one-week long project earlier this month.

In a cost-share project with Metra, crews from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway did a complete rehabilitation of the crossing, including a new crossing surface made of concrete, new ties, rail and ballast, according to spokeswoman Amy McBeth.

McBeth said the changes should result in a smoother ride and is fairly typical maintenance.

"This kind of work is part of our ongoing investment in our infrastructure," McBeth said.

The crossing, used by Metra and freight trains, reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Aug. 17.